Philip Edward Risbeck

Philip E. Risbeck, 85, of Fort Collins, Colorado, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024. Phil was born in Kansas City, Missouri, to Clair and Lillian Risbeck. Phil attended the University of Kansas and earned Bachelor (B.F.A.) and Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A) degrees.

In 1965, Phil moved to Fort Collins when he accepted a position to teach graphic design at Colorado State University, Department of Art and Art History. During this time, Phil also served as a design assistant to the artist Herbert Bayer. Phil became a full, tenured professor in 1976. Phil Risbeck chaired the CSU Department of Art and Art History from 1993-2003. Phil became a University Distinguished Professor in 2012. After teaching for more than 50 years, Phil retired from CSU in 2017.

Throughout Phil’s long and distinguished career, he was a champion of graphic design. Phil was invited to enter many international poster competitions, and won several awards and recognitions, including the silver medal at the Brno Tenth Biennale of International Poster Design in 1982 (Czech Republic). In 1979, Phil Risbeck, along with colleagues John Sorbie and Bob Coonts, co-founded and co-directed the Colorado International Invitational Poster Exhibition (CIIPE), which is still held every other year. Phil was also invited to show his work and lecture around the world, and traveled extensively throughout Europe, Russia, China, Mexico, and South America. Phil loved teaching and mentoring students about graphic design, poster art, and art history.

While teaching at CSU, Phil met his loving wife, Marie, who taught painting and drawing in the same Department of Art and Art History. They married in 1970, and had a daughter, Heather. Phil is preceded in death by his father Clair, mother Lillian, and brother Steve. Phil is survived by his wife Marie and daughter Heather (John).

A gathering honoring Phil’s life will be held later in 2025. Details will be shared with friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the Lilla B. Morgan Memorial Endowment, which helps support the CIIPE, as well as other arts and cultural offerings of CSU.

Photo credit: Bienal de Diseno y Cartel Bolivia BICeBe

Photo credit: Bienal de Diseno y Cartel Bolivia BICeBe